“Alright,” he agreed, though doubt lingered beneath the words. “One more thing… are you still in contact with Rocco? I heard Antonella’s back in the city. Maybe you should invite him. Might bring some luck to the union.”
The words hit like ice down my spine. So he knew. Of course he did. In this world, nothing stayed hidden forever. No wonder Rocco had insisted our affair remain buried for years.
I lowered my eyes, swallowing the sharp sting blooming in my chest. “Don’t involve him,” I muttered. “We’re… not close anymore.”
Just then, the faint click of a lock turning echoed through the room. I ended the call quickly, my pulse spiking as I straightened.
When I looked up, Rocco stood in the doorway.
His smile was effortless, devastating. His eyes shone with a warmth that tightened my chest—but I knew better now. That look wasn’t meant for me. It never truly had been.
“Not close to who?” he asked lightly, curiosity threading his tone.
“To you,” I replied, blunt despite the tremor in my voice.
His brow arched. Before I could step away, he crossed the space between us and pulled me into his arms. Amusement curved his lips as he leaned in, his breath brushing my ear.